In addition to these challenges, our youth find themselves lost in the labyrinth of the digital world, where the constant flow of information and endless notifications create a unique kind of stress—what I would call “digiweigh.” It’s the silent burden that comes from managing multiple digital tools, platforms, and technologies, all demanding attention and leaving us feeling overwhelmed and drained.

The impact of wars and conflicts also weighs heavily on mental health, not only for those directly affected but also for those who witness these crises from afar, adding to a sense of instability, insecurity, and helplessness. In Turkey, this is further compounded by our own realities—high inflation and the rising cost of living make everyday life a struggle for many young people. Faced with difficult choices, they wonder whether to stay home or seek new opportunities abroad, questioning whether the promises of another country are truly as bright as they seem.

Today, I want to remind them—and all of us—that while life may present many problems, it also invites us to solve them. As Karl Popper once said, “We are all inclined to think that things will continue to go wrong in the way they have gone wrong in the past. But it is precisely in these moments that we can learn to look for new ways to make them go right.”

Hope is not a passive state but an active pursuit. It lies in seeking alternatives, in finding support from those around us, and in realizing that the struggle for a better tomorrow begins with the smallest of steps today. It’s okay to feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or even disheartened by the state of the world and the digital chaos that surrounds us. But let’s remember that with every challenge comes the potential for change, growth, and new beginnings.

Our youth are not alone in this journey. Together, we can build a society where mental health is understood, where empathy guides our actions, and where hope drives us forward, even in the face of adversity.

Let’s continue to listen, to support, and to walk this path of resilience together.